He met his future wife, Patrice Schrems, at a University of Detroit mixer—she was, as he often said, the only girl who smiled at him. They married in Saginaw shortly after graduation and moved to East Hartford, Connecticut, where Tom worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft.

While there, he contributed to the development of the largest gas turbine engine in the world at that time. Missing friends and family in the Midwest, they returned to the Detroit area, where Tom worked for 42 years at Williams Research (International) in Walled Lake. During this time, he helped develop the smallest gas turbine engine in the world, now used in the cruise missile.

He was proud of the defense work he did for his country. Tom is survived by his wife Patrice, of 59 years, and their

October 1, 1941 - February 20, 2025 five children: Laura AmRheim ( John), Peter Culbertson (Debbi), Mary Ellen Merglewski (Stephen), Tim Culbertson, and Daniel Culbertson (Abby). He was also a beloved grandfather to Katrina, Cassidy, Schuyler, Tommy, Julianna, Abby, Brooklynn, Jameson, and Olivia, who was just born on February 18, 2025.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews who lovingly called him “Uncle Tom.” His border collies were deeply cherished companions.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two older sisters.

Tom enjoyed reading, gardening, birdwatching, and woodworking. He built many pieces of furniture, either from scratch or from kits, and designed the blueprints for two houses over the years. A lifelong Catholic, he was an active member of Our Lady of Refuge, St. Hugo of the Hills, and St. Mary’s in Lake Leelanau.

He was a good neighbor and friend, a devoted father who encouraged his children’s sports and musical activities, a loyal Notre Dame fan, a meticulous engineer, and a wonderful husband. He will be greatly missed.

Services were held in Bloomfield, MI. Memorial contributions may be made in Thomas Culbertson’s name to St. Mary School, P.O. Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653-0340.

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